Today it took 2 hours to drive 5 miles- yes you read that correctly 2 hours for 5 miles. The traffic is something to get used to here. On the opposite side of the world, everything is opposite. The driver is on the right, you drive on the left side of the road. As mentioned before, there are few stop lights, no stop signs. Lanes are painted on the road, but there are no requirements to use them. The term “get in where you fit in” comes to mind. Almost every car is honking for you to move so they can successfully cut you off. People are weaving in and out of traffic. Beggars are approaching your window and tapping for your attention. There are cows and goats on the road. some of the pedestrians I witnessed are even on crutches and have other severe handicaps. Pedestrians cross at their leisure both on the highway and regular street even with children and holding babies. Public transportation takes on a few forms including rusted buses, no blinkers, no lights and busted windows. It is half price to ride on top-yes on top of the bus.

Rickshaw Taxi

The city brings new light to the term “bike friendly” because the rickshaws (taxis operated by bikers pulling a small cart sometimes with several individuals riding) weave in and out of the cars regardless of the direction of traffic. There are also rickshaws that look like go carts with 3 wheels if you prefer to not be in the back of someones bike. Nothing in America compares to traffic in Asia. Imagine the worst traffic jam in a major city, throw in a few cows and rickshaws, you may be halfway there.